A couple of questions for the professional photogs on here: How do you prevent the white out effect for after dark pictures? I have a basic dig camera that does not give you a lot of adjustments. My old SLR had a red pre-flash measurement that helped reduce the white glare. Any suggestions on how to reduce this in my pictures?

Heres an example of a recent pict.

next question:
When do you prefer to be out? the early morning for its softness or late afternoon for the warmness of the light?
early morn